Akasa Air Expansion Plans: Targeting Southeast Asia

Akasa Air, a budget airline based in Mumbai, India, is gearing up to expand its international operations. The airline, which started flying two years ago, aims to cater to the increasing demand for air travel among Indian travelers.

New Destinations by Akasa Air:

Akasa Air’s Chief Commercial Officer, Praveen Iyer, announced that the airline plans to launch flights to Kathmandu in Nepal and Dhaka in Bangladesh. Additionally, the airline is considering expanding into popular Southeast Asian destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Growing Demand for International Travel

The eexpansionscomes as part of Akasa Air’s strategy to tap into the growing demand for i,nternational travel from India, particularly as visa restrictiond more Indians are traveling abroad. The airline has already added five international routes this year, including flights to Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Jeddah.

Akasa Air Competition in the Indian Aviation Market:

Akasa Air’s expansion plans coincide with increased competition in the Indian aviation market. Major Indian airlines like Tata Group-owned Air India and Vistara are merging, while market leader IndiGo is expanding its long-haul international routes. Additionally, international carriers such as Etihad Airways and Malaysia Airlines are increasing their presence in the Indian market.

To support its expansion, Akasa Air has ordered 150 Boeing 737 Max jets, bringing its total order to 226 aircraft, expected to be delivered over the next eight years. The airline currently operates a fleet of 24 jets across 49 routes and has captured a 4.7% market share in the competitive Indian aviation industry.

Unique Offerings:

Akasa Air has introduced unique services, such as allowing pets on board, which has been well-received by customers. The airline has carried 3,700 pets since implementing this policy in November 2022. Akasa Air believes its network expansion and unique offerings will help it stand out despite the competitive landscape.

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